Category Archives: Anodizing/Plating

More on Powder Coating

Posted on January 21, 2022 by dave49

Terry continues to powder coat his reels. I have not used the process, so the following text is his note: “Powder coating has not been a hard process to master. In fact it is really pretty simple. The most important … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating, Reels by Readers | 2 Comments

Powder Coating

Posted on July 17, 2021 by dave49

My friend Terry has been experimenting with powder coating for reel finish. Powder coating is done with a dc supply aiding the attraction of paint to the object. I quizzed Terry about the process, and here is his explanation: “I … Continue reading →

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Anodizing Temperature Control

Posted on August 18, 2020 by dave49

DIY anodizing of aluminum parts is a practical process for home shop reel makers. These earlier posts provide background: Technical Data on Anodizing. Water Cooled Cathode Cool water I anodize reel parts in a 32 ounce polypropylene jar, and the … Continue reading →

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Cool Water

Posted on March 17, 2017 by dave49

He’s a devil not a man, and he spreads the burning sand with water. Cool, clear water. “Cool Water” recorded by Sons of the Pioneers (and many others) Songwriter Bob Nolan Got my anodizing process restarted after the move to … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating | 1 Comment

Nickel Electroplate

Posted on May 7, 2014 by dave49

I was interested in nickel plating for two reasons. First, it might be a good finishing process for brass, bronze, or steel reel parts. Second, a rodmaker friend asked me if I knew a way to build up the diameter … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating | 2 Comments

Counter-Electrodes for Coloring

Posted on October 27, 2013 by dave49

Anodized coatings can be dyed, but I prefer the process of electrolytic coloring; it is easier to get a uniform finish. My earlier post on coloring was on 24 Aug 2012. When growing the anodize layer, the design of the … Continue reading →

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Acid Concentration

Posted on September 19, 2012 by dave49

My reelmaking is quite dependent on the anodizing process. Running this process consistently means controlling three conditions: 1. Current density (12 A/in^2) 2. Temperature (68 deg F) 3. Acid concentration Recently it occurred to me that my acid mixing is … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating, Measuring | 1 Comment

Electrolytic Coloring

Posted on August 24, 2012 by dave49

My anodized aluminum reel parts have mostly been undyed, that is, clear anodize. I did try out some dyes (23 April 2012) and even produced a reel with black end plates (9 May 2012). Other than black, I did not … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating | 4 Comments

Water Cooled Cathode

Posted on August 22, 2012 by dave49

When anodizing, power is dissipated in the cell and heats the water/acid electrolyte. The heat has two components, electrical resistance heating of the anode’s barrier layer and heat of formation of the oxide film. For example, if the anode area … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating | 5 Comments

Power Fibers Article on Anodizing

Posted on July 30, 2012 by dave49

The July 2012 issue of Power Fibers contains an article that I wrote on anodizing. For the next 3 months, you can download the issue and read the article here. Much of the material is a re-hash of posts on … Continue reading →

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